Danielle Hunter Has Become One Of The Highest-Paid Defensive Ends Ever

The Houston Texans had one of the best defenses in the NFL last season. They were second in points allowed (17.4 per game) and only gave up 277.2 yards per game, tops among all teams. Houston was also +17 in takeaways and put up an impressive 47 sacks.

A key cog of their defense just got a massive payday. Defensive end Danielle Hunter agreed to a one-year deal worth $40.1 million. That contract gives him the fourth-largest salary an edge rusher has ever received. Only Micah Parsons ($46.5 million), Aidan Hutchinson ($45 million), and T.J. Watt ($41 million) have signed contracts with a higher average annual value.

Hunter joined the Texans two seasons ago on a two-year, $49 million contract after spending his first eight NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Hunter played so well in his first year that the Texans tacked on another year to the deal, worth $35.6 million.

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He deserves these raises based on his performance on the field. Hunter finished third in the NFL with 15 sacks last season. He also deflected three passes, forced three fumbles, and recovered one, for good measure.

That marks the seventh time in his career—and the fourth season in a row—Hunter has recorded double-digit sacks. He's totaled 27 in his two seasons in Houston. Those sacks have come alongside 100 combined tackles.

This new deal will enable Hunter to surpass $200 million in career earnings. He'll turn 32 this season, and though he hasn't shown any signs of slowing down, many defensive ends are already retired by this age and duration of their careers.

It's a testament to Hunter's skill that he's played at such a consistently high level. He's also been incredibly durable. He hasn't missed a game since 2021, and he's only sat out 12 games over his entire 10-year career.

Hunter has achieved quite a bit from an individual perspective. Now, he's looking to win a Super Bowl ring. And he hopes the "defense wins championships" cliche proves to once again come true in Houston.